Chiropractic Effective for Cervicogenic Headache

We see a considerable number of people with headaches in our Hazleton and Conyngham office, and Eyerly Chiropractic Offices has been able to support many of them. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that half of all adults have difficulties with some kind of headache problem, so this actually isn't unexpected. One of the most prevalent kinds of headaches which our patients are afflicted with is cervicogenic headache which, fortunately, chiropractic therapy can usually help.

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is one that starts from issues in the cervical spine. It can be attributable to an issue with either the spine itself (specifically, the vertebrae, joints, or discs), or it can be caused by a problem in the muscles and tendons of your neck. This dysfunction in your spine contributes to compaction or irritation of the spinal nerves, which can bring about headache pain.

How can you determine if the headache you are suffering from is a cervicogenic headache? Other than being given a diagnosis from a healthcare specialist, a typical symptom of cervicogenic headaches is tenderness or pain in your neck. This is sometimes coupled with pain in the back of your head or between your shoulder blades.

Chiropractic to the Rescue

Because cervicogenic headaches will not subside until whatever problem is generating them is corrected, it is vital to get treatment instead of just trying to "wait it out." Chiropractic care is an excellent approach, and one that offers a considerable amount of pain relief.

In one study circulated in Chiropractic & Osteopathy, specialists evaluated 80 people who had recurring cervicogenic headaches. One-half received chiropractic care and the other half engaged in light massage therapy. Each participant was evaluated 12 and 24 weeks after the procedures and it was found that chiropractic provided the optimum effects.

Specifically, this study revealed that chiropractic adjustments offered patients more pain relief and reduced the frequency of headaches that occurred. In addition, it also minimized the disability that resulted from these painful headaches.

To find out what Eyerly Chiropractic Offices can do for you and your headache pain, call our office today. We'll do our best to get you the pain relief you deserve!

References

• Haas M, Schneider M, Vavrek D. Illustrating risk difference and number needed to treat from a randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010 18(9).
• World Health Organization. (2012, October). Headache disorders. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/